Who Is Voltaire's Satirical Criticism

In the age where people are questioning the ways societies function and act, first published in 1964, a man by the name of Voltaire wrote an intriguing novella called L’Ingénu. This story is about a ‘Huron’ who calls himself “The Child of Nature”, travels from England to France and tells of the experience he encounters there. This novella is satirical in nature due to the way Voltaire critiques and interrogates different aspects of society. In addition, Voltaire infuses the theme in L’Ingénu with the importance of the idea of being a human and the path one takes in becoming human. One can see this transformation when the Child of Nature states, “I have been transformed from a brute into a man” (Voltaire, pg. 148). In accordance to this statement,
Every culture has their own unique way they practice faith through religion. This is one attribute that Voltaire could not take away from any human. Not only does he believe faith is a vital part of any society, Voltaire criticizes how other people practice their faith and religion. One can see his criticism when the Mademoiselle de St. Yves goes to Versailles and tries to consult with the authorities in chapter 13 of L’Ingénu, ‘The Lovely St. Yves goes to Versailles’ (Voltaire, pgs. 154-159). Every time the Mademoiselle de St. Yves wants to conference with an official, its at an inopportune time because they are busy with a Mademoiselle or Madame of some sort. “the Prior called upon the Reverend Father de La Chaise but he had Mademoiselle du Tron with him, and could not give audience to Priors” (Voltaire, pg. 155). From this the reader can assume that there is a little bit more of an unholy act occurring on the other side of the door, especially if most of the clergy are conducting such an act. Voltaire’s idea of faith is that both the clergy and men of authority need to abide by celibacy and not fornicate with others for the means of personal gain and to give them ‘special favors’. Another section where one can see Voltaire’s criticism on the goodness and faithfulness of men is when the Child of Nature goes to Versailles (Voltaire, pgs.138-141). “Off they went accordingly to see this Monsieur Alexandre, the First Secretary; but they could not be admitted. He was engaged with a lady of the court…” (Voltaire, pgs. 138-139). Voltaire writes these portions into L’Ingénu to show his disapproval about the society’s authority and their actions. In Voltaire’s eyes, to be more human one must be faithful to his religion and to his wife. One who does not uphold such policy can be considered a lesser human and perhaps a brute if they do not maintain